Roman Abramovich has never hidden his obsession for success.The multi-millionaire sacked FA Cup and UEFA Champions League winner Roberto Di Matteo earlier this season after an unconvincing run – especially in Europe. Jose Mourinho and Avram Grant had gone down the same road previously.
Rafael Benitez was eventually brought in quickly in November 2012 as a short-term replacement. However, the Spaniard has so far struggled to achieve consistency in terms of results on the pitch so it is very unlikely that Chelsea will extend his stay beyond this term.
The Blues are set to announce a new manager this summer and Pep Guardiola tops their coaching list. This week, the former Barcelona manager confirmed that he is nearing a return to football. Meanwhile, Roman Abramovich is working hard to acquire Guardiola’s signature in what would be a dream deal.
Fresh reports from London now indicate that the Russian will be willing to offer a £300,000-a-week contract to the king of major trophies. The deal would see Pep Guardiola pocket £15M a year and become the highest paid manager in world football.
If the ex-Barcelona boss lands at Chelsea, he may unite with Fernando Torres – the player who ended Barca’s Champions League hopes against the Blues with an injury-time goal at the Camp Nou last season.
Meanwhile, in midweek, London-based club Chelsea surprisingly lost 2-0 to high-flying Swansea City at Stamford Bridge. The Blues, who commenced the defence of their FA Cup title on a strong note, are now looking to bounce back from their Football League Cup set-back with victory away to Stoke City in the Premiership on Saturday.
